Israeli settler kills Palestinian consultant to Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land in West Bank village
On July 28, a tragic event unfolded in Umm al-Khair, West Bank, where 31-year-old Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen was shot and killed by Israeli settler Yinon Levi. Hathaleen had worked as a consultant for the Oscar-winning film No Other Land (2024). The confrontation began after settlers destroyed property, leading to an injury to Hathaleen's cousin, Ahmad, which prompted local residents to retaliate with stones. Although Levi was arrested, he was later placed under house arrest, having previously faced sanctions from the Biden administration in February 2024 for his violent actions. Basel Adra, co-director of the documentary, lamented Hathaleen's loss, stating, "This is how Israel erases us." Israeli authorities are currently withholding Hathaleen's body until his family meets specific demands.
Key facts
- Awdah Hathaleen was shot dead by Israeli settler Yinon Levi on July 28 in Umm al-Khair, West Bank.
- Hathaleen was a consultant for the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land (2024).
- Yinon Levi was sanctioned by the Biden administration in February 2024 for extremist violence and released under house arrest after arrest.
- Yuval Abraham posted video of Levi shoving and firing a pistol during the altercation.
- Basel Adra mourned Hathaleen on social media, accusing Israel of erasing Palestinians.
- Hamdan Ballal, another co-director, was attacked by settlers and soldiers in March and detained overnight.
- Yesh Din reported only 3% of investigations into crimes against Palestinians led to convictions from 2005 to 2024.
- Israeli police imposed conditions on Hathaleen's funeral, including limiting attendees to 15 and burial outside his village.
Entities
Artists
- Awdah Hathaleen
- Yinon Levi
- Yuval Abraham
- Basel Adra
- Hamdan Ballal
Institutions
- Biden administration
- Israeli police
- Yesh Din
- ArtReview
- The Guardian
Locations
- Umm al-Khair
- Masafer Yatta
- West Bank
- Susiya
- Israel